Curriculum Plan

Construction

Subject Overview

Through studying this subject, students develop knowledge and understanding of the UK construction industry. They will develop and enhance their skills and understanding in key related topics that are vastly important to any employer in the construction industry. Students have opportunities to apply their developing knowledge and skills in relevant, enjoyable and work-related contexts.

This subject prepares students for further education, training or employment in the construction industry. It helps them to develop and practise key transferable skills that are important in working life.

Staff

Name

Role

Mr Clerkin

Construction specialist

Mr Clerkin is our amazing Construction specialist at OBA. Mr Clerkin has an honours degree in Architecture and Building Surveying. He also has qualifications in Energy Performance of buildings (Energy Performance Certificate, EPC). Since qualifying in 2011 with a PGCE in teaching, Mr Clerkin has pursued his core passion for teaching by qualifying with a Masters in Education in 2017.

Mr Clerkin has a profound love for construction. He has many years’ experience in the construction field and holds a deep passion for this sector that continues to recover and thrive in the UK economy.

Facilities

Outside working area to allow for safe working practices. Material and tools provided to ensure brick walls can be constructed when required to reinforce learning for Unit 7 (Bricklaying in Construction).

Drawing facilities include drawing boards and all necessary drawing equipment to allow for students to develop their understanding and skills to assist with their learning for unit 2 (Construction & Design).

KS4

In Construction students work on the following units:

Unit 1 – On completing this unit you will understand what the construction industry undertakes in terms of the different types of buildings and structures it designs and builds. You will learn how client briefs can be developed by analysing the client’s requirements for the building and considering the external constraints on development.

Unit 2 – On completing this unit you will understand what the construction industry undertakes in terms of the different types of buildings and structures it designs and builds. You will learn how client briefs can be developed by analysing the client’s requirements for the building and considering the external constraints on development.

Unit 3 – This unit aims to develop your understanding of the science and mathematics used in construction projects. It will help you to develop the mathematical and scientific skills needed to solve a variety of construction problems.

Unit 7 – This unit will introduce you to the safe selection and use of tools and equipment in order to develop the skills needed to construct basic brickwork and blockwork structures. Students will use bricks and mortar to build structures such as an external wall for a house.

KS5

This is a two year course which covers six units, including core units that investigate a range of different areas in construction. Students will learn about: Science and Material in Construction, Sustainable Construction, Building Surveying, Building Technology and Health & Safety in the Built Environment.

For the Subsidiary Diploma you will study six units which include the following:

Unit 1: Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction and the Built Environment

You will develop portfolios of written assignments and construction drawings to provide evidence of your coursework. Units of work will be externally assessed upon request from the awarding body, Edexcel. Your work will be graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Enrichment

Afterschool focus groups on key topics such as learning of tools used in construction, development of practical skills in bricklaying and enhancing drawing standards to meet expectations of architects.

Support

There are a range of support sessions that run at lunchtime and after school for pupils in all of the three key stages. Additional support classes are available for all students before they sit GCSE/ Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Students can also drop in during enrichment time for homework support for each key stage that are supervised by subject specialists.

HOD Quote

“We shape our buildings: Thereafter, they shape us.”

Winston Churchill

Behind every good build is a design that not just meets our own and the environment’s needs, but one that is formed that will match the demands of the future and all its constraints that will be placed on ourselves, our community and society.